Air Techniques wins design award

Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment, is pleased to be the recipient of the 2012 International GOOD DESIGN™ Award in the medical category for their Mojave™ Dry Vacuum System.

GOOD DESIGN is the world's most prestigious, recognized, and oldest design awards program organized annually by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. The product awards cover new and consumer products designed and manufactured in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The trademarked awards were created in Chicago in 1950 by three architects: Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann, Jr.

"We are very excited about receiving this prestigious award." said John Scott, president of Air Techniques. "It is an honor to have the Mojave Dry Vacuum system's excellent design recognized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design."

DentaCheques sales winners announced

Three dental sales professionals from two dental supply companies are the winners of the 2012 DentaCheques Sales Contest. Sales professionals from various supply companies throughout the industry earned entries to win one of three prizes based on the number of DentaCheques books sold from January 1 through October 31, 2012.

DentaCheques books are sold by representatives of Benco Dental, Dental Health Products, Inc., Henry Schein Dental, NDC Dental, and Patterson Dental. Sales representatives sell DentaCheques without compensation. In 2012, sales of DentaCheques raised more than $1.76 million to financially support the delivery of dental care to thousands of vulnerable people through Dental Lifeline Network and its Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. More than 15,000 dentists and 3,350 laboratories nationwide volunteer for DDS and donate care to people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile.

Winners for 2012 are:

Grand Prize Winner (25+ books sold): Jeff Lea, Patterson Dental, San Francisco Branch. Prize: $6,000 American Express Gift Card ($6,000 value).

Second Prize Winner (15-24 books sold): Bob Mettam, Patterson Dental, Baltimore Branch. Prize: $2,000 to use toward building a trip of his own ($2,000 value).

Third Prize Winner (5-14 books sold): Gigi Bachey, Henry Schein Dental, Cincinnati Center. Prize: $1,000 Nordstrom gift card ($1,000 value).

"I love selling DentaCheques books," Lea said. "For years, I've been selling 35 to 40 books each year. It is a great win-win type of thing. Dentists win because they get a dealer credit for nearly the cost of the book - then they typically get another $200 or more in free or discounted products from the other coupons, and they are helping people less fortunate. Patterson wins by being associated with such a fine charitable organization. And, of course, people who really need dentistry get the free help they need. I feel great about raising roughly $6,000 a year and winning the drawing was icing on the cake."

"Selling the DentaCheques books is a great way for both me and my customers to do something good to benefit our underserved dental community," added Bachey.

Hager Worldwide now exclusive distributor for Sporicidin line

Hager Worldwide, Inc., is now the exclusive distributor of eight items in the Sporicidin infection control line. Items in the line include the alcohol-free disinfectant spray solution, alcohol-free disinfectant wipes, sterilizing and disinfecting solution, enzymatic cleaner, alcohol-free antimicrobial lotion soap, alcohol-free foam hand sanitizer, microbial testing strips, and sterilant tray.

Denbur forms oral hygiene division

Denbur, Inc., established in 1979, has announced the formation of Denbur Oral Hygiene Division. The newly formed division features products aimed at the consumer market such as EZ-FLOSS, EZ-PIK, and EZ-FLOW interdental brushes, picks, and irrigator. For more information, visit www.denbur.com.

Merger forms CDx Diagnostics

Two companies offering advanced, clinically-proven diagnostic systems that can help prevent cancer by detecting pre-cancerous cells have announced their merger. Oral Cancer Prevention International, Inc., and CDx Laboratories, Inc., are joining to form a new entity known as CDx Diagnostics. The merger was facilitated by a new investment in CDx Diagnostics made by Waterbridge Capital, a New York City-based investment firm, which targets opportunistic equity investments in a number of areas, including promising companies focused on breakthrough diagnostic health technologies.

"We are pleased to be able to consolidate our oral, esophageal, and laryngeal cancer diagnostic assets into one company that can better leverage our investment in the proprietary computer algorithms and systems that we have developed to improve the detection of pre-cancerous cells," said Mark Rutenberg, chairman and chief executive officer of CDx Diagnostics. "CDx Diagnostics will now fortify its leadership in developing advanced tools that deliver unparalleled information to doctors so they can rule out or confirm precancer while it is still easily treatable."

Benco qualified as channel partner for 3M's True Defintion Scanner

Benco Dental and 3M ESPE have announced that Benco has qualified as the newest U.S. channel partner for the 3M™ True Definition Scanner. Benco will sell, install, and support the advanced digital impression system.

"Benco is a trusted name in dentistry, and it is our pleasure to welcome them as a channel partner for the True Def scanner in our U.S. market," said Mark Gates, vice president of sales and marketing, 3M ESPE. "We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Benco to make the True Definition Scanner and digital impression technology even more accessible to dentists across the country."

"Benco is committed to offering innovative digital solutions to help dentists better serve their patients," said Chuck Cohen, co-executive managing director, Benco. "The True Definition Scanner is poised to become a leader in digital impression technology, and we are pleased to be one of 3M ESPE's trusted distribution partners."

Heraeus named as NADL's Supplier of the Year

Heraeus Kulzer, LLC, was recently named "Supplier of the Year" by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). Heraeus was selected for this honor based on numerous criteria, including achievements in dental laboratory technology, product innovation, and community involvement.

"NADL is pleased to recognize Heraeus Kulzer as this year's Supplier of the Year. The company has a longstanding reputation of excellent service, product development, and focus on the laboratory community," said Henry Martin, CDT, NADL president.

"We are extremely proud to have received this prestigious honor," said Lesley Melvin, product manager for Heraeus's Laboratory Division. "Dental laboratories play a vital role in our industry, and supporting their efforts with the best possible materials, educational offerings and other services is one of our highest corporate priorities."

PDT celebrates 12 years in business

TThe PDT "Paradise Dental Technologies" corporate team had their annual corporate meeting summit in the scenic mountain valley of Missoula Montana.

The corporate marketing and manufacturing teams met to celebrate their 12 years of growth and success in the world-wide dental, veterinary and medical markets.

Pictured above, from left to right, back row: Doug Topp (Production Supervisor), Dennis McClosky (Controller), Steve White (Marketing Manager). Middle row: Roger Guiditta (Sales Manager), Brian J. Reichert (National Accounts Manager), Karen Wood (Purchasing Agent, Shipping & Receiving Supervisor), Wendy Birtles, RDH (Canadian Sales Manager), Linda Miller (CEO), Betty Scheafer (Sales Manager), Mary Beth Henningfeld (Quality Manager), Velma Fuhrmann (Director of Analytics & Tradeshow Coordinator), Jody McKinley (Assembly Supervisor), Jackie Stebbins (Sharpening Supervisor). Front row: Paul H. Hutter, SPHR (Associated Employers Facilitator), Anna Landers (COO), Jodie DeYoung (HR Manager), Bill Silverman (Associated Employers Facilitator).

Stratasys tabs Korea channel partners

Stratasys AP Ltd., a subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd., has announced the appointment of Medicodi and PD Dental as new channel partners in Korea. The new partners will focus on the distribution of Stratasys' 3-D printing technology to the dental market.

This appointment marks the increasing demand for 3-D printing and the large potential for digital dentistry in Korea. By combining Stratasys' 3-D printing technology with Medicodi and PD Dental's expertise and experience in the field, the company expects to vastly expand the penetration of digital dentistry in Korea.

Oragenics enters into Japanese agreement for pet probiotics

emarquetti | Flickr.com

Oragenics, Inc., has entered into a new three-year contract agreement with Organic Wave, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Organic Wave will be the exclusive distributor of Oragenics' oral care probiotics for pets in Japan under the Evora name as well as a private label brand. The pet product will contain ProBiora3®, Oragenics' patented proprietary blend of three probiotics specifically designed for improved oral health.

Organic Wave operates as a subsidiary of Orthomolecular Nutrition Laboratory which was established in 1985 to practice Orthomolecular Medical Nutrition and to spread the knowledge gained to the general public throughout Japan. The laboratory offers study groups, seminars, and lectures focusing on various topics. It provides updated scientific news and information for members, and offers courses for medical doctors who are implementing a nutritional approach in their medical field.

"The completion of the agreement with Organic Wave gives Oragenics a gateway to the pet market in Japan for the oral care probiotic product EvoraPet," said John N. Bonfiglio, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Oragenics. "As in the U.S., the Japanese not only value their companion dogs and cats but they understand the importance of good oral health to the overall health of humans and pets."

Henry Schein and partners give more than $1 million to Sandy relief efforts

Henry Schein, Inc., has announced that the company, its supplier partners, and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation have fulfilled its commitment to contribute more than $1 million in financial donations and essential health care supplies to 11 relief organizations serving communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, which struck areas of the Northeastern United States on October 29. The Henry Schein Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that carries out its mission through financial and health care product donations that support health care professionals and community-based programs focused on prevention, wellness, and treatment; disaster preparedness and relief; and capacity building of health institutions that provide training and care.

"We are proud to support the extraordinary work of the 11 organizations receiving our financial support and donations of health care supplies to assist in recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Sandy," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer for Henry Schein. "These donations, supported by the generosity of our Team Schein Members and supplier partners, exemplify the deep commitment to giving back to society that has been part of the character of Henry Schein since we were founded eight decades ago."

The company donated essential health care and hygiene products to relief organizations serving communities affected by the storm. The donations were made through Henry Schein Cares, the company's global corporate social responsibility program, in partnership with the company's supplier partners. Recipients included AmeriCares, Direct Relief International, and Heart to Heart International.

The company's Henry Schein Hurricane Relief Fund, established through the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, provided a pathway for Team Schein Members and others who were interested in supporting relief efforts to contribute. Henry Schein matched all donations contributed to this fund by Team Schein Members. All proceeds of the Fund were applied directly and completely to support the relief efforts of the following local organizations:

• Island Harvest

• FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

• North Shore Animal League America

• ADA Foundation Hurricane Sandy Fund

• New York State Dental Foundation Relief Fund

• Empire State Medical, Scientific and Educational Foundation, Inc.

• Graybeards

In addition, the company held drives for Team Schein Members to donate goods at its headquarter offices located in Melville, N.Y. In all, the Team Schein Member campaign collected more than 2,900 pounds of food, clothing, shoes, coats, linens, diapers, and other personal items for Island Harvest and The Salvation Army. Henry Schein Cares also provided "Hurricane Sandy Cleaning Kits" (including gloves, masks, gauze, paper towels, drape sheets, trash bags, and hand sanitizer) to Team Schein Members who needed assistance in their personal clean-up efforts.

In addition to its support of community relief efforts, Henry Schein supported health professionals affected by the storm in a myriad of ways. The company opened a disaster relief hotline for dentists, physicians, and veterinarians who experienced operational, logistical, or financial issues as a result of the storm. The company offered a host of financial services to affected customers, and Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions provided licensing assistance and other guidance to health care practitioners who wished to practice out of state or relocate. Lastly, Henry Schein held an expert-led symposium, in conjunction with leading health care professional associations, examining all aspects of practice recovery. The symposium, entitled "Recovery Empowerment Symposium: Emerging from the Storm," was held in New York City on November 16 and was open to all interested health care professionals.

Dental industry comes together for GKAS

Henry Schein, Inc. and its supplier partners recently joined with the American Dental Association (ADA), Colgate-Palmolive, and DEXIS to sponsor and celebrate Give Kids A Smile Day. The ADA launched the Give Kids A Smile program in 2003 as a way for dentists to reach out to their communities to provide oral health services to underserved children and raise awareness of the critical need for enhanced access to oral health care for children. As in years past, Henry Schein Dental is serving as the program's exclusive professional product sponsor.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of children and adolescents living in poverty have untreated tooth decay. It is the single most chronic childhood disease in this country, and while wholly preventable, tooth decay is on the rise among our youngest and poorest citizens. In addition to the pain, difficulty eating, speaking and the excessive costs associated with emergency service that results from neglected oral health care, the CDC estimates that 51 million school hours are lost each year due to untreated tooth decay.

Thanks to the volunteer efforts of dentists and dental team members, annual donations of dental supplies valued at more than $1 million from Henry Schein and its supplier partners, and the partnership of Colgate-Palmolive and DEXIS, Give Kids A Smile Day is now in its successful eleventh year. As the ADA's signature access to care program, approximately 5 million children have received free oral services by almost half a million volunteers since Give Kids A Smile's inception. This year alone, Give Kids A Smile brought approximately 40,000 dental team volunteers, including more than 10,000 dentists, together with more than 450,000 underserved children at more than 1,700 events across the country for free oral health screenings, education, and treatment. Give Kids A Smile Day has become so successful that the program has expanded to include events throughout the year and across the country, including at such high profile settings as NASCAR raceways.

"As a long-time supporter of the Give Kids A Smile program through our global social responsibility program, Henry Schein Cares, we were very proud to once again be a private sector leader at the forefront of this important nationwide initiative working to expand access to and awareness of the critical need for children's oral health care," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein. "Even as new U.S. health care regulations address increased access to pediatric oral health care, particularly for our poorest citizens, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Give Kids A Smile, whose message of the importance of children's oral health care remains as imperative today as it ever has been. Dental disease is entirely preventable, but left untreated, the costs — both financial and health-related — are untenable."

With the generous support of 30 supplier partners, Henry Schein, which also serves on the Give Kids A Smile National Advisory Committee, provided 3,000 oral health care screening and prevention kits to the program, each containing supplies to serve 50 children. Since the program's inception, Henry Schein and its supplier partners have donated products and services valued at more than $12 million to the Give Kids A Smile program.

"The ADA is grateful for the long-standing partnership of Henry Schein and its supplier partners for their important contributions to enhancing access to oral health care for millions of children over the past 11 years through the Give Kids A Smile program," said Dr. Robert A. Faiella, president of the American Dental Association. "The power of the partnership between the ADA, our committed dental professionals, and industry partners like Henry Schein will be the key to realizing our shared vision of eliminating cavities in all 5 year-olds in the United States by 2020."

The 2013 national celebration of Give Kids A Smile Day was held in Louisville in collaboration with Smile Kentucky!, a signature Give Kids A Smile program with more than 150 participating local agencies. Staffed by approximately 200 dental student volunteers, 40 dentist volunteers and 100 other community volunteers, more than 4,000 children at 24 local schools were pre-screened. In all, approximately 300 children received comprehensive dental care at the University of Louisville in celebration of Give Kids A Smile Day.

Henry Schein Supplier Partners supporting the 2013 "Give Kids A Smile" Program through product donations, include 3M ESPE, Acteon, Ansell Healthcare, Biotrol, Centrix, Coltene/Whaledent Inc., Crosstex International, Denticator, DENTSPLY Professional, DMG America, Dukal Corporation, DUX Dental, GC America, Hu-Friedy, Integra, Miltex, Kerr Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Healthcare, Medicom, Microflex Corporation, PDI, Premier Dental Products Company, Richmond Dental, Sempermed USA, Septodont, Sultan Healthcare, TIDI Products, Tuttnauer, Waterpik Technologies, Young Dental, and Zirc Company.

A dental volunteer at the GKAS event at the Cradle of Aviation in Long Island sees one of the approximately 1,700 children who received free dental screenings at the event. Many of the children were displaced from their homes by Superstorm Sandy.